How to Repot Fig Trees

Written by dawn gibbs| 13/05/2017

Fig trees can be grown indoors or outdoors in containers. The fig tree needs to be repotted when it becomes root bound, which occurs when the pot is too small for the plant and the roots begin spiralling around the root ball. You can tell if the plant is root bound by lifting the pot and checking for roots growing out of the drainage holes. Visible roots in the drainage holes means it is time to repot the fig.

Select a plant pot that is 1/3 wider and taller than the current pot. Fill the bottom of the new pot with 3 inches of potting soil.

Set the potted fig tree on a plastic tarp. Lay the tree on its side and gently pull on the base of the tree until it comes out of the pot.

Tease the bound roots free with your hands. Brush off any stuck-on potting soil. If you find any dead or broken roots, cut them off with scissors or gardening shears.

Lower the root ball into the new plant pot. The base of the tree should be 2 inches below the edge of the new pot. Adjust the soil level under the root ball if the base of the tree is too high or low.

Fill the pot halfway with potting soil. Stand back and ensure the tree is centred and upright. Fill the pot the rest of the way with potting soil. Water until the soil settles.